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Arthur's observation was borne out recently when in his Independence Day message Thompson reached a new low by making unsubstantiated charges of corruption against the government instead of exhorting DLP members and the wider society to redouble their efforts of nation building.

The celebration of independence is generally seen as a time of reflection and thanksgiving to God for the strides made in the social, economic and spiritual life of a nation.

Instead of focussing on the positive aspects of local life, Thompson used the national stage to raise the spectre of "corruption in high places" and other negative aspects of national life.

Unfortunately Thompson has now assumed the role of a spoiler in local politics. Perhaps in his quiet moments he has recognised that all hope of ever becoming the Prime Minister of Barbados has faded. In desperation he has resorted to "scorched earth tactics" similar to those used by Nazi Germany in the dying days of the Second World war. Students of European History may recall that Hitler sought to reduce Germany to a raging inferno.

Thompson claims that there is a major disconnect between the people and the Owen Arthur administration. This claim is made even though Prime Minister Arthur remains the most popular political figure in Barbados with a rating of 52 per cent. How can there be a disconnect when the administration has introduced several programmes which according to Arthur were established to "stop poor people from being poor". Disconnect arises when an uncaring administration fails to address the social and economic problems of the people. Agencies such as the Urban Development Commission, the Rural Development Commission and the Poverty Alleviation Bureau were established to stop poor people from being poor. Many poor people now live in hardwood houses fitted with indoor plumbing thanks to programmes introduced by these agencies. Small businessmen also benefit from funding provided by the UDC and the RDC.

On the issue of corruption in high places, Thompson is yet to present a water-tight case against any member of the Owen Arthur administration. His feeble attampt at discrediting Clyde Mascoll has failed to create the groundswell of protest anticipated.

Instead of engaging in scurrilous attacks against innocent people, Thompson should be presenting creative programmes that would redound to the benefit of the poor-not poorly thought-out ones that could lead to irreparable damage being done to the island's economy. He should be spelling out creative programmes that would ensure that non-communicable diseases were kept at manageable levels. Instead Thompson hopes to stumble on a juicy scandle which can usher him into the region's prime ministerial club in 2008 or whenever the upcoming poll is held.
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